Jammu & Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi, who recently got his maiden Test call-up for Sri Lanka Test series, has signed a three-match deal with Surrey for the upcoming County Championship Division One 2026. Nabi will be playing for Surrey in seam-friendly conditions to prepare for the Test series on New Zealand soil in November featuring two Tests.
When will Auqib Nabi make his County debut?
Nabi has already left for England. He is set to make his County debut against Yorkshire at Kennington Oval, London, in the match starting September 2. He will play an away match against Sussex and then take on Glamorgan. He will play under the leadership of out-of-favour England opener Rory Burns.
Auqib Nabi to play vs Australia A
After his short County stint, Nabi will return to India for two more red-ball games as India A take on Australia A in Puducherry starting September 22.
It is yet to be seen whether Nabi plays the second game against Australia A or gets clearance to represent Ranji Trophy 2025-26 champions Jammu & Kashmir in Irani Cup 2026 clash which starts on October 1 in Srinagar.
Auqib Nabi 3rd Indian to play for Surrey this season
In the ongoing match for Surrey, India’s all-rounder Mahipal Lomror is playing against Essex. Before Lomror, leg-spinner Rahul Chahar played for Surrey as well. Chahar still has an active contract with Surrey.
Auqib Nabi follows legends’ footsteps
Before Nabi, Sai Sudharsan and R Sai Kishore have represented Surrey. The first Indian to play for Surrey was Zaheer Khan, followed by Harbhajan Singh, Anil Kumble and Pragyan Ojha. Virat Kohli was set to play in 2018 too but a neck injury ruled him out of the competition.
Benched on Sri Lanka tour
Nabi was picked as an injured Jasprit Bumrah's replacement for Sri Lanka tour. However, he did not get to make his Test debut as Prasidh Krishna played alongside Mohammed Siraj. Gurnoor Brar, who did not play on Sri Lanka tour either, was added to North Zone squad for Duleep Trophy 2026 semifinal against South Zone.